A rare Mars occultation will be visible in the Brunei sky tonight where the Red Planet will disappear behind the crescent of the moon.
The moon will pass in front of Mars creating a lunar occultation visible only from a small region of central Asia including Brunei Darussalam, the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam (PABD) said yesterday.
The society said from the naked eye, Mars will look like a bright “red star” close to the moon at around 8pm. It will get “interestingly closer” to the moon by 9pm before disappearing at 9.29pm.
Telescopes or binoculars will enhance the view, the PABD said.
An occultation is an astronomical phenomenon when one object is obscured by another object that passes between it and the observer.
Mars will slip behind the moon’s dark side and will be visible to the naked eye. From Brunei, the moon will be very low on the horizon. Lunar gazers must be at a location with an unobstructed view of the Western sky.
Since moon is the nearest cosmic neighbour to Earth, it regularly passes in front of planets or bright stars. But an occultation by the moon and Mars from the same location on Earth is an exceedingly rare occurrence. It is often described as a “perfect planet alignment”
The last Mars occultation from Brunei occurred in May 2008. The next in Brunei is set to take place 77 years later, on February 7, 2098.
Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD), in recognising that start-ups are a key component in economic diversification, is invested in supporting the local start-up ecosystem through various efforts aimed at encouraging innovation and creativity.
BIBD is currently looking into developing a programme that would invite tertiary students and start-ups to submit fresh ideas and innovative fintech solutions, which is under the education/entrepreneurship pillars of the bank’s corporate social responsibility.
This was shared by BIBD Chief Marketing Officer Hajah Nurul Akmar binti Haji Mohd Jaafar at a press conference hosted by BIBD at the Executive Lounge of its headquarters in the capital yesterday.
Hajah Nurul Akmar also noted that the bank is open to partnering with local fintechs.
She said the programme would be structured in such a way that participants are provided with industry mentorship and development opportunities, with a grant for winning participants to develop their solutions further.
The programme will create a conduit of innovation and puts BIBD in the middle of an ecosystem that supports fintech start-ups while also building a pipeline for enterprising tertiary students.
As the largest financial institution in the country, BIBD has always been committed to supporting the development of local start-ups. The bank has complemented national efforts to boost the local economy with various small and medium enterprise (SME)-related initiatives as well as by empowering them with robust and comprehensive digital business solutions.
Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam’s Chief Marketing Officer Hajah Nurul Akmar binti Haji Mohd Jaafar. PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD
The bank’s SME360 platform is a comprehensive banking solution that complements the needs of businesses and includes access to a dedicated relationship management team, financial solutions as well as digital payments, in support of the nation’s drive towards becoming a Smart Nation powered by a digital economy.
Roughly 80 per cent of BIBD’s corporate customers are micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), who have access to the SME360 platform.
BIBD’s support for the Smart Nation initiative is an integral part of the bank’s commitment to being a Partner in Progress and BIBD’s ecosystem of digital payments, which is powered by the BIBD NEXGEN platform, extends to partnerships beyond the banking sector with the most recent one being the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
The recent partnership with the ministry covers the ability to make payment of Zakat Fitrah via BIBD QuickPay, which is an extension of the Go Cashless Go Digital campaign which BIBD launched last year.
As part of the bank’s efforts to better understand the particular needs and preferences of MSME’s and build innovative approaches, products and tools to reach out to them, BIBD will soon launch its own Merchant Portal.
This will provide MSME’s and start-ups with insights and tools to manage their day-to-day bank-related business operations with the added convenience of being able to access these facilities online.
BIBD Mastercard Payment Gateway Services are also offered to MSMEs wishing to receive digital payments, which is particularly useful for start-ups who hope to scale up and offer their services beyond the local market where the bank offers this at little to no cost, along with existing digital payment solutions such as QuickPay and physical credit card terminals.
In addition, the bank regularly partners with up-and-coming start-ups employing young locals with a shared vision to support the nation’s digital transformation through strategic collaborations and partnerships, supporting these local start-ups in their journey of growth.
One example is BIBD partnering with Pocket, a lifestyle app with its own QR-based digital payment system to promote its credit cards. This signals the bank’s willingness to take a collaborative approach with new players in the fintech space.
The bank also worked closely with Think Axis, a local start-up specialising in artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, machine learning as well as web and mobile development to create the bank’s latest CSR initiative, Community for Brunei and most recently, BIBD is looking into collaborating with Beep, an up-and-coming digital payment solutions provider.
Three of the local companies was also showcased at the press conference yesterday and represented by Ivan Ninan of ThreeG Media, Rahman Yoonus of Think Axis and Denny Muslim of BEEP.
BIBD, through collaboration and innovation, hopes to achieve its goal of digital and financial inclusion by creating mutually beneficial synergies with local start-ups where this collaborative approach will bring added benefits to the consumers, offering greater choice and solutions to wider segments of the community, in service of the nation’s aspirations to become a Smart Nation and in support of the Digital Economy Masterplan 2025.
A brother and a sister died after the car they were travelling in crashed into a vehicle from the opposite direction in Kampong Pengkalan Mau, Lamunin, Tutong District yesterday.
The victims were pronounced dead before admission to hospital.
The brother, 20, is believed to have lost control of the vehicle and crashed into another vehicle from the opposite direction, the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) stated in a statement yesterday.
The girl was aged 18.
A distress call was made at 11.57am and Lamunin Police Station personnel rushed to the scene of the accident where they found that both victims had passed away. Investigation into the accident is ongoing.
The RBPF while requesting the public to be vigilant and careful on the road, stressed on the importance of wearing a seat belt.
The Leo’s Club from International School Brunei (ISB) donated a collection of toys and vouchers to the Children’s Cancer Foundation (YASKA) yesterday in an event at Women’s and Children’s Centre of Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital.
President of Leo’s Club, Aina Fadillah presented the donations to Vice Chairperson of YASKA Tsara’ Nawwarah binti Abdullah Chen, who is also an occupational therapist at the Paediatric Oncology Ward. Leo’s Club Supervisor Sunil and members from Lion’s Club were also present.
“What we’ve done, so far, is collected toys and funds from our own students at ISB that had taken up the opportunity to donate,” said Aina Fadillah. “The funds went towards vouchers that the patient’s families could use to collect food for Ramadhan and for their basic amenities.”
She added, “I would like to seize this opportunity to acknowledge the strength shown from the families under YASKA, as well as the workers that provide them aid.
“We know how strong everyone here has been, and we hope that what we contribute will help make the days a little better.”
ISB’s Leo’s Club comprises students from Year 10 onwards and supervised by a member of the Lion’s Club, an international charity organisation.
YASKA is a non-profit organisation, located on the 6th floor of the Women’s and Children’s Centre of RIPAS Hospital where they support children with cancer.
ISB’s Leo Club members presenting donations to YASKA. PHOTO: ISB
Around 100 new Muslim converts in remote areas of Temburong District were given basic necessities through a charity drive recently, organised by An Naffi Co in collaboration with Ikatan Pengusaha Muslimah Indonesia (IPEMI) and supported by the Islamic Da’wah
Centre (PDI).
IPEMI President Hajah Asnayanti binti Haji Asnan Sumarna said IPEMI, an organisation made up of Indonesian Muslimah entrepreneurs residing in Brunei, is grateful to be able to collaborate with An Naffi as well as the support provided by PDI in making the charity drive possible.
She said that the event promoted a sense of sharing, and by performing religious obligations with the new converts during Ramadhan, it helped strengthen their commitment to the faith.
A Tazkirah was also delivered by religious speaker Haji Suhaimi. The organisations’ members then took Iftar with the converts and later took part in mass Maghrib, Isyak and Sunnat Tarawikh prayers.
A new Muslim convert being presented with donations. PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD
The Ministry of Health (MoH) held a Tedarus Al-Quran and presentation of donation to orphans at Surau As-Salam of Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah Hospital in Tutong yesterday.
Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar presented the donations to 12 orphans from the ministry’s employees in Tutong District.
The event aimed at increasing religious activities during Ramadhan while fostering closer ties among the ministry’s staff.
The MoH is set to hold similar events in other districts.
Management of Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah Hospital along with senior officers from the ministry were also present.
Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar presents a donation to a recipient. PHOTO: AZIZ IDRIS
Prime Minister’s Office
Hakim Hayat
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and departments under it commenced the Tedarus Al-Quran ceremony at Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Mateen Mosque in Kampong Mulaut yesterday afternoon.
Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud and Chief Syar’ie Judge Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Salim bin Haji Besar were present.
The event saw the minister present a waqaf to the Imam of the mosque.
The ceremony then proceeded with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah followed by the recitation of Al-Quran verses.
A Doa Selamat and mass Asar prayer concluded the event.
Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud and Chief Syar’ie Judge Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Salim bin Haji Besar during the Tedarus ceremony. PHOTO: HAKIM HAYAT
Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports
Rokiah Mahmud
Officers and staff of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) joined mosque congregants in a Tedarus Al-Quran ceremony at Kampong Puni Mosque, Temburong yesterday.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin attended.
The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by the minister, followed by the recitation of verses of Al-Quran by participants.It continued with the recitation of Tahlil and Doa and concluded with a mass Asar prayer. The minister also presented a Waqaf to the mosque.
Permanent Secretary (Administration, Finance and Estate) at the MCYS Pengiran Mohd Amirrizal bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud and Deputy Permanent Secretary (Youth and Sports) at the MCYS Colonel (Rtd) Pengiran Haji Maiddin bin Pengiran Haji Said were also present.
Minister of Culture Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Series Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin at the event. PHOTO: INFOFOTO
MoRA female officers and staff
Lyna Mohamad
The Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) organised its annual Tedarus ceremony for female officers and staff in conjunction with the month of Ramadhan at Kampong Salambigar Mosque yesterday.
Present as the guest of honour was spouse of the Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Datin Hajah Jamaiah binti Haji Abdul Manaf who initiated the event with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah.
The ceremony continued with the Tedarus ceremony, led by Deputy Director of the Core Knowledge Centre, Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) Dayangku Zainab binti Pengiran Haji Tuah and the recitation of Tahlil led by Assistant Religious Development Officer at the Islamic Da’wah Centre (PDI) Siti Noraziah binti Haji Asli.
Muslimah Guidance Class Supervisor at Kampong Salambigar Mosque Nur Hafizah binti Haji Ismail led Doa Arwah.
The ceremony was enlivened with a special talk ‘Filling Ramadhan with Piety’ delivered by Brunei Islamic Religous Council (MUIB) Da’ie Nurhuwaina binti Mamud, and concluded with the recitation of Doa Peliharakan Sultan dan Brunei Darussalam by Acting Director of the Islamic Legal Unit Mahani binti Haji Suhaili.
The activity aimed at cultivating love for Al-Quran and encouraging participants to increase the deeds of worship in the month of Ramadhan, while fostering closer ties between participants and the mosque’s Muslimah group.
Spouse of the Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Datin Hajah Jamaiah binti Haji Abdul Manaf initiates the event with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah. PHOTO: MORA
Council of Women of Brunei Darussalam
Rokiah Mahmud
The Council of Women of Brunei Darussalam (CWBD) continued its series of Tedarus Al-Quran ceremony for 13 associations under the council yesterday at the residence of CWBD Vice-President II Datin Hajah Masni binti Haji Mohd Ali in Jerudong.
Datin Hajah Masni said as Ramadhan is the most blissful month, the activity aimed to seek blessings from Allah the Almighty, while also served as platform for members of the council to improve their Al-Quran recitation.
The ceremony was attended by 40 members. Participants took turns in reading Al-Quran starting from second Juzuk in Surah Al-Baqarah.
Council of Women of Brunei Darussalam members at the event. PHOTO: BAHYIAH BAKIR
The Islamic Religious Body under the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) held at a religious talk at the Police Headquarter in Gadong, in marking the holy month of Ramadhan.
Islamic Da’wah Centre Religious Development Officer Isham bin Ismail delivered talk titled Hikmah Puasa.
Commissioner of Police Dato Paduka Seri Haji Mohammad Irwan bin Haji Hambali was the guest of honour.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Pengiran Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Mohd Jefri bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Hamid, directors, deputy directors, senior officers and officers as well as civilian staff of the RBPF also attended.
The talk discussed the extraordinary rewards for Muslims who fast and conduct religious practices during the fasting month.
Commissioner of Police Dato Paduka Seri Haji Mohammad Irwan bin Haji Hambali, Deputy Commissioner of Police Pengiran Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Mohd Jefri bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Hamid and senior officers at the religious talk. PHOTOS: JAMES KONIslamic Da’wah Centre Religious Development Officer Isham bin Ismail delivers the talk
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) held a recitation of Surah Yaasiin and Tahlil ceremony for Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam, Al-Marhumah Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Bendahara Pengiran Anak Abdul Rahman, and Al-Marhum His Royal Highness Prince Haji ‘Abdul ‘Azim at Kampong Pulaie Mosque yesterday.
Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, along with Legislative Council members, permanent secretaries, deputy permanent secretaries, heads of departments, senior officers and staff at MoHA.
The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by recitation of Surah Yaasiin and Tahlil led by Mosque Affairs Officer Mohd Zakaria bin Haji Mohd Salleh.
Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong participates in the ceremony. PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMAN
Ministry of Development
Aziz Idris
The Ministry of Development and departments under it held a recitation of Surah Yaasiin and Tahlil ceremony in remembrance for Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam, Al-Marhumah Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Bendahara Pengiran Anak Abdul Rahman, and Al-Marhum His Royal Highness Prince Haji ‘Abdul ‘Azim.
Minister of Development Dato Seri Setia Ir Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar attended the ceremony, beginning with a mass Zohor prayer, followed by the recitation of Surah Yaasiin, Tahlil and Doa Arwah led by Mosque Affairs officer Haji Muhd Azrol Alim bin Haji Zaini.
Deputy Minister of Development Dato Seri Paduka Ar Haji Marzuke bin Haji Mohsin and Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Development Ir Haji Amer Hishamuddin bin Pehin Orang Kaya Amar Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Zakaria, senior officials and staff were also present.
Minister of Development Dato Seri Setia Ir Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar and other senior officials at the ceremony. PHOTO: AZIZ IDRIS
Clear skies in Brunei last night allowed for the easy viewing of a rare Mars occultation in its skies, where the Red Planet disappeared behind the crescent moon.
The phenomenon that happened for about 10 seconds at 9.29pm saw the moon passing in front of Mars creating a lunar occultation visible only from a small region of central Asia including Brunei.
Over 20 members of the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam (PABD), armed with telescopes, binoculars and cameras took part in a viewing at the beach front of The Empire Brunei in Jerudong last night.
According to executive committee member of PABD Nurbazilah binti Zainal Abidin, the phenomenon is rare because it will only be visible in Brunei in the next 77 years.
“We were here from about 8pm, and recorded the whole transition from beginning, from above the moon until it goes behind the moon,” she said.
Photo shows a rare Mars occultation visible in the Brunei sky last night where the Red Planet disappeared behind the crescent moon. PHOTO: MUHAMMAD HIDAYATULLAH AHMAD, PABDABOVE & BELOW: Photos show lunar gazers at the event last night. PHOTOS: PABD
She added that the clear sky made the view easier.
“There was no obstruction, and the sky was clear, which is quite rare.”
She also recalled a moment of panic when some clouds appeared to obstruct the view five minutes before the start of the phenomenon but cleared just in time for the event.
From the naked eye, Mars looked like a bright “red star” close to the moon at around 8pm. It got interestingly closer to the moon by 9pm before disappearing at 9.29pm.
PABD said that an occultation is an astronomical phenomenon when one object is obscured by another object that passes between it and the observer.
Mars will slip behind the moon’s dark side and will be visible to the naked eye. From Brunei, the moon will be very low on the horizon. Lunar gazers must be at a location with an unobstructed view of the Western sky.
Since the moon is the nearest cosmic neighbour to Earth, it regularly passes in front of planets or bright stars. But an occultation by the moon and Mars from the same location on Earth is an exceedingly rare occurrence. It is often described as the “perfect planet alignment”.
The last Mars occultation from Brunei occurred in May 2008. The next in Brunei is set to take place 77 years later, on February 7, 2098.
Baiduri Bank yesterday cemented its support to the Development of Native Mobile Application for Volunteers (Mengalinga) with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) and Baiduri Bank.
The volunteer app, with a targetted launch in August this year, will comprise different features. Its primary function is to provide a platform to enable event organisers and non-government organisations to promote volunteering opportunities and allow aspiring volunteers to join these activities through the app.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin witnessed the signing as the guest of honour at the Baiduri Community Space, Baiduri Bank Headquarters.
Baiduri Bank will support the development of the mobile application as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative and supporting the government’s initiative to create a digital platform and promote volunteerism in the country.
“As part of the bank’s CSR programme and our support towards the whole-of-nation approach, we are very proud to be able to support the ministry’s initiative to provide a platform for volunteerism through this mobile app, especially when the current generation is prone to using mobile phones and going towards digital technology,” said Baiduri Bank Chief Executive Officer Ti Eng Hui.
He said the bank launched its own staff volunteer programme called Baiduri Cares last week. “Through this programme, we encourage our employees to volunteer for CSR activities initiated by the bank and hopefully in the near future, we can leverage Mengalinga to invite the public to join some of our CSR activities, working hand in hand with our employees to make a positive impact in the community,” he said.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin with Permanent Secretary (Strategy and Policy Management) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Pengiran Haji Mohd Hasnan bin Pengiran Haji Ali Hassan and Baiduri Bank Chief Executive Officer Ti Eng Hui after the signing. PHOTO: BAHYIAH BAKIRBaiduri Bank Chief Executive Officer Ti Eng Hui speaks at the event. PHOTO: BAHYIAH BAKIR
Deputy Permanent Secretary (Youth and Sports) at the MCYS Colonel (Rtd) Pengiran Haji Maiddin bin Pengiran Haji Said highlighted that “the boom of the 4th Industrial Revolution has significantly impacted the development of the nation as a whole. With the rapid development of the existing digital technology, facilities such as Apple Store, Google Play Store and others have opened up opportunities and provide convenience of access to obtain information, knowledge, analyse data and find out current issues faster”.
He said the adaptation or use of technology in each aspect of daily life “has provided many contributions and new opportunities, especially towards providing quality services for every level of society, especially through the aspect of volunteerism”.
Colonel (Rtd) Pengiran Haji Maiddin said the volunteer programme in the country has helped the government to care for those in need.
“These efforts come from various agencies, government organisations and non-government organisations demonstrating that the strong united spirit and close cooperation of the whole community must be nurtured and enhanced by every individual regardless of age,” he said.
He said in realising the aspirations of Brunei Vision 2035 and build a Smart Nation, the ministry is always committed to providing a platform and empowerment opportunities for every individual to contribute to the society.
He said Baiduri Bank’s BND15,000 contribution shows the efforts in enhancing volunteerism in the country is a shared responsibility.
The bank’s contribution is widely appreciated and meaningful to the MCYS in preparing the first digital system in the country, especially for the activities of volunteers and associations, Colonel (Rtd) Pengiran Haji Maiddin said.
He hoped Mengalinga will become a Volunteer Application System that can provide facilities and access to all levels of society to be actively involved in volunteerism activities.
Signing on behalf of the MCYS were Permanent Secretary (Strategy and Policy Management) Pengiran Haji Mohd Hasnan bin Pengiran Haji Ali Hassan and Acting Director of Youth and Sports Department Mariam binti Ulat.
Signing on behalf of Baiduri Bank were its Chief Executive Officer Ti Eng Hui and Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Business Development) Pengiran Azaleen bin Pengiran Dato Haji Mustapha.
